NYC FARE Act: What Renters Need to Know
The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act changed how broker fees work in NYC. Here's what it means for you.
The Bottom Line
Whoever hires the broker, pays the broker
Since landlords hire listing brokers to find tenants, landlords pay the broker fee — not you. This is NYC law as of June 11, 2025.
What's Prohibited
- ✕Landlord's agents charging tenants broker fees
- ✕Conditioning a rental on tenant hiring a broker
- ✕Dual agents charging tenants
What's Still Allowed
- ✓You can hire your own tenant's broker and pay them
- ✓Security deposits (max 1 month by law)
- ✓Application fees (capped at $20)
Watch Out for Workarounds
Some landlords and brokers are trying to get around the FARE Act by charging fees under different names:
- "Administrative fees" — Often just broker fees in disguise
- "Technology fees" — May violate the law if excessive
- "Management fees" — Legitimate for services, suspicious if one-time
- "Application processing fees" — Legal cap is $20
If a fee seems like a broker fee by another name, it may be a FARE Act violation. The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) received over 1,100 complaints in the first months of enforcement.
How to Report a Violation
File a Complaint
Report violations to NYC DCWP. Violators face fines up to $2,000. You can also sue in civil court.
NYC DCWP Broker Fee Info →Call 311
You can also report violations by calling 311 or visiting the NYC 311 website.
NYC 311 Portal →What Move-In Actually Costs Now
Before FARE Act
- First month's rent: $3,000
- Security deposit: $3,000
- Broker fee (15%): $5,400
- Total: $11,400
After FARE Act
- First month's rent: $3,000
- Security deposit: $3,000
- Broker fee: $0
- Total: $6,000
You save $5,400
Find FARE Act Compliant Apartments
All listings on Neptune comply with the FARE Act. Search verified apartments with real photos.
Search ApartmentsThis page provides general information about the NYC FARE Act and is not legal advice. For specific legal questions, consult an attorney or contact NYC DCWP directly. Information current as of June 2025.